'Assistant leader' for Clyburn

Rep. Jim Clyburn will serve in the newly established No. 3 spot in the minority leadership as assistant leader if Democratic lawmakers agree to outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi's plan to create the office and elect the South Carolina Democrat to it.

Pelosi, who is running for minority leader, announced late Friday that she would be nominating Clyburn for an unnamed No. 3 post in the Democratic hierarchy — a move that wold stop a pending showdown between Clyburn, the current majority whip, and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) for the job of minority whip in the next Congress.

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Clyburn, in a letter to Democratic lawmakers Saturday, urged them to accept the proposal.

"To me, the best way to resolve this issue, maintain diversity in the leadership and cohesion in our caucus is to pull up another chair to the leadership table with a substantive, well-defined portfolio that will contribute in a meaningful way to our important work and to regaining the majority," he wrote. "With your support of Nancy's proposal, I hope to continue to work toward building consensus within our caucus and bridges to communities and constituents across the country."

Hoyer also endorsed the idea in a statement late Satuday. “Since the election last week, I have made clear my belief that it was important for my friend Jim Clyburn to continue serving our Caucus as the third ranking Member of our Leadership. It is my hope that happens when elections are held on Wednesday," he said.

Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman Barbara Lee of California said in a statement that the group was reserving judgment on the proposal until its meeting Monday, though initial reaction was positive.

Pelosi announced the new post and her plan to install Clyburn in it, in a letter to colleagues earlier Saturday. "Should I receive the privilege of serving as House Democratic Leader, I will be very honored to nominate our outstanding colleague, Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, to serve in the No. 3 House Democratic position. I will also ask the Caucus to designate that position as Assistant Leader," Pelosi said.

It was not immediately clear — though seemingly likely — that the role of "assistant to the leader" would be eliminated or redesignated. That job, currently held by Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen has been seen as a potential bargaining chip for Pelosi since Van Hollen announced he would seek the top Democratic slot on the House Budget Committee last week. Though Clyburn would be ranked No. 3 under Pelosi's plan, the existing assistant-to-the-leader position is not considered part of the elected leadership hierarchy, as the Democratic leader has effectively had sole authority to appoint its occupant.